How Dave Van Buskirk Has Mastered the Art of Delivering Referable Experiences

As technology has evolved substantially and often surprisingly over the last several decades, many of the world's largest industries have changed. This very much includes the financial sector, which has seen the introduction of elements such as AI and cryptocurrency completely redefine many aspects of it. And yet, despite all of this progress, many of the most essential truths have remained the same. Chief among these is the value of referrals.

If anything, referrals and positive word of mouth have become even more important in this digital age, as each interaction can become a potential marketing opportunity. To this end, the most sustainable way to grow a business isn’t by asking for referrals; it’s by creating meaningful experiences, showing consistent gratitude, and building relationships people are proud to share.

This is something that Dave Van Buskirk, a financial advisor with Edward Jones from Colleyville, Texas, and the author of Referable: How to Get Unlimited Referrals without Even Asking, has learned firsthand.

Building a Career as a Financial Advisor

Dave has now spent more than two decades as a financial advisor helping individuals and families make confident, long-term financial decisions. In his own estimation, though, the foundation of what he does today actually goes back even further than the start of his career in this sector, back to his grandparents.

As he details, “My grandfather worked for IBM, and my grandparents invested in IBM stock over time. My grandmother would talk to me about it when I was young about how ownership worked, how investing wasn’t about speculation but about believing in something over the long term. Those early conversations shaped the way I think about money, relationships, and trust.”

Over the years, with the support of an incredible team and the guidance of great mentors and coaches, Dave has built a practice centered on the prioritization of these kinds of relationships and service. This results in what he has come to refer to as “referable experiences”: highly positive experiences that leave clients feeling passionate about referring Dave and his team to others. This ultimately led him to write Referable, in an effort to encapsulate all that he has learned over the years from clients, family, and mentors along the way. 

Trials and Tribulations: Referral Marketing Strategy

As a financial advisor, one of Dave’s most important roles is helping his clients to navigate uncertainty. Making hard financial decisions is never easy, but having faced such challenges in his own personal life has enabled him to be that much more empathetic and effective as an advisor to his clients.  

“When you’ve personally walked through those kinds of experiences, you understand that financial decisions are rarely just about money—they’re about people, families, and real-life situations. I believe going through those challenges has made me better at listening, more thoughtful in how we guide clients, and more committed to truly being there for them when it matters most.”

Dave has explained that practicing the Golden Rule is at the center of everything his office does. Treating clients with empathy and personal consideration sets them apart.

That level of distinction doesn’t happen by accident. Dave and his team have built their processes intentionally around systems of gratitude, consistency, and thoughtful communication. But more importantly, it’s grounded in a principle discussed often in Dave’s office: being genuine and generous.

“Generous doesn’t just mean financially. It means being generous with your time, your patience, your effort, and your wisdom. It’s about showing up fully for people. The result is a relationship-driven approach where people feel valued, understood, and taken care of in a way that naturally leads them to share that experience with others.”

Final Thoughts

In Dave Van Buskirk’s view, the work he does is never about a transaction; it’s about trust. This is what has earned him so many referrals over the course of his career, without him ever having to ask for them. By consistently delivering for his clients and forging a real relationship with them, referrals become a natural part of the process. For him, when someone gives a positive review and refers a friend or family member to his team, that means everything.

To this end, the ideas presented in Referable aren’t just business strategies; they’re a reflection of those relationships and that mindset.

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.